Arc Flash Hazards – Are You in Compliance?
The subject of Arc Flash is fast becoming an important part of many facilities overall safety concern. An arc flash is the explosive release of energy resulting from an electrical fault that produces an arc. This can result from an electrician making inadvertent contact with a tool in an energized panel. The Arc Flash can create intense heat, light and explosive blast conditions that result in burn injuries for personnel in close proximity to the electrical panel.
OSHA has begun enforcing the requirements of the NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces guidelines regarding Arc Flash Hazards. NFPA 70E requires that employees be informed of the potential hazards and the personal protective equipment (PPE) required when working on an energized panel before beginning work. The National Electric Code (NEC) requires this information to be affixed to each panel in the form of a label, according to the 2002 edition which was adopted by Virginia in 2006. This is the first edition to require arc flash labeling of electrical panels. These two documents are being used together for overall enforcement of improved safety practices by OSHA.
Alliance Engineering has been assisting clients with Arc Flash compliance since 2003. Typical services include:
- Field data collection.
- Development of computer model required for arc flash analysis.
- Analysis of power distribution system to identify each electrical panel’s hazard level and the PPE required for any work while they are energized.
- Printing of warning labels.
- Application of warning labels to each panel.
- Recommendations of how to lower the hazard rating at the panels whose hazard categories are higher than desired.
- Development of single line CAD drawings that will reflect the “as-is” condition of the plant’s power system.
- Compliance training for electrical personnel.
For more information, contact Alliance Engineering at 804-275-1400.